I have a confession to make.
I’ve been a bit upset in a minorly-torqued-off manner with a couple friends of mine.
But really, they’re such a fine couple of folks I’ve been helping them out a bit even though I’ve been ticked, peeved, and otherwise annoyed.
I just never told them.
Within a couple weeks of changing this blog’s look the last time, the folks over at Michigan Beer Buzz went online. With … er … a modified version of the Cleaker theme I’d picked out and then modified myself for use over here.
Dagnabbit!
Still, as soon as they went online I trumpeted their arrival here on BlogsMonroe, even going so far as writing the following:
And yes, Rob, I’ll certainly point out the use of the same blog theme I’ve used here on Luna Pier Cook, implemented with some beautiful modifications to create a warm and friendly look for Michigan Beer Buzz. I particularly like the beer mug next to the Search box … nice touch! These themes are generally freely available (SteamyKitchen uses an elegant “pro” theme she had paid for) and are highly customizable. It’s always interesting to see how someone has implemented a given theme differently for another topic.
Still, even though I’ve helped them with a couple thing and passed beer-related info to them when possible, I could never figure out how to get rid of the feeling of being annoyed.
I no longer feel annoyed …
Welcome to the new-and-improved Luna Pier Cook!
The theme you’re looking at now is the main character from Yakitate!! Japan, an anime cartoon not yet regularly seen in this country. The image you see was actually provided for this theme by the original animator, so it looks pretty darn good. The plot for Yakitate!! Japan is described quite well on Wikipedia, so I won’t reproduce the whole thing here. However, the following is of interest as to how it reflects on the genre in general:
Although the story has baking as its main theme, the parts that generate the most interest are the outrageous puns in the story. Especially notable are the “reaction” based puns made by the judges, who go to great lengths to prove a single point about the bread that they had tasted. The series in general also pokes fun at the shōnen genre’s tendency to be melodramatic over mundane tasks.
Yup, a punny baker. Sounds like fun!
If you’re interested in watching episode 2 of Yakitate!! Japan here it is, all 25 minutes of it. And please let me know what you think of what I’ve done with the place and if you have any comments or suggestions.
As for all y’all over at Michigan Beer Buzz … y’all owe me a brewsky … 
Enjoy!
I like it
(And I like it better than the old theme!)
Love the new look! I’ll have to show my brothers this post, they are serious Anime fans.
We’ve been trying to find a new look for our blog for months now and hopefully will be moving to a new home soon. There are some great themes out there, some of which cost some money, but not too much. We bought a great one for $25 and hope to be actually using it one day!
@Char, you never told me you really didn’t like the old one!
@WORC, I recall Jaden telling me she’d paid for hers. But yours looks pretty good as it is. Anything new had better not take it downhill or I might have to say something!
I love your new look – very clean and fun.
I’ve been wanting to change things over at SK too – but it’s a lot of work involved!
You should never hold stuff like that in .. it might hurt!
but your new theme is rather lovely anyways ..
I like it too! One of these days I’ll get around to updating my Blogger template, too. But for now, I’d rather go bike riding and watch the kids soccer games… or design websites that people are actually paying me for. LOL. Nice work, Dave.
Thanks!
@Jaden, didn’t you just re-do yours recently? I’m just now getting used to it!
@Renee, thankee ma’am. Still got some tweakin’ to do.
@Leslie, yeah I know, I should really be visiting your blog more often than I do … I’ve been a bad blogger that way …
I love it. LOOOOOOOVE it. Sleek, simple, eye-catching. I liked your last one but this is fantastic!
Papa D,
this new website is terrific!!!!!! Congrats.
Z
The layout and design look great. I’m particularly impressed with the 40′s -50′s art work. I’ve always liked images from that era.
I love the new look. But then blue and yellow are my favorite colors!
I love your new design. How did you come up with the new design?? How are you and Mary doing??
@Robin, I actually have some ideas for your blog if you get a chance to change it.
@Z, we’re all wondering when sweeps will be over so you can eat!
@OMG, the style is actually Japanese anime … but I guess it does have that 40s – 50s feel, eh?
@Durian, you must be from Michigan …
@Jill, where have you been??? Call us!
Where have I been?? I have been here busy with work and busy with my new boyfriend and his daughter. I would call you guys but I dont have your phone number.
At least I dont think I have your phone number.